Reporter tells The Fan his source on Jackson, Krzyzewski is reliable
Jun 18, 2009
On Wednesday, a blurb appeared in the Racine Journal Times in Gery Woelfel's column. His source says Phil Jackson will step down as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach and Mike Krzyzewski will be the sought after replacement.
The note also hinted that Lakers star Kobe Bryant would want to see Krzyzewski get the job.
Woelful said Wednesday that his source is a very accurate one who usually hits home runs on all his calls.
"I had talked to a gentleman who I respected for many years and he's provided me with good stuff," Woelful told 99.9FM The Fan ESPN Radio. "This guy has some legitimacy. .... Bottom line is he firmly believes that Mike Krzyzewski would be the heir apparent to Phil Jackson."
Bryant further developed his relationship with Krzyzewski while playing for Team USA this summer, where the Americans won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
"Absolutely, they have a very good rapport, a mutual respect, I think both individuals appreciate what the other has accomplished, " Woelful said. "According to this source he says Kobe will definitely go to bat (for Krzyzewski), and let's face it if Kobe wants you to be the head coach you're going to be the head coach."
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has yet to make any such announcement that he is leaving the team and Woelful did say a decision probably won't come quickly. But general manager Mitch Kupchak would prefer it not to drag on.
Krzyzewski has said he plans to remain with the U.S. Olympic team, but Duke athletics director Kevin White and president Richard Brodhead have refused to speculate on his future.
